Medical bills are one of the biggest problems for Indian families. One big surgery can cost ₹1 to ₹3 lakh. Many families do not have that kind of money saved.
This is where the Ayushman Card helps.
The Ayushman Card gives your family free hospital treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh every year. The government of India provides this card at no cost. You just need to apply online or offline.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to apply for Ayushman Card in 2026. We will cover who can apply, what documents you need, and how to use the card at a hospital.
Let us get started.
What Is the Ayushman Card?
The Ayushman Card is a free health card from the Government of India. It is part of a scheme called Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
With this card, poor and low-income families can get cashless treatment at government and private hospitals. The cover is up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
You do not pay anything at the hospital. You simply show your card. The hospital sends the bill directly to the government.
Think of it as a health insurance card – but completely free for you.
Key Facts About Ayushman Card (2026)
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Year Started | 2018 |
| Health Cover | ₹5 lakh per family per year |
| Beneficiaries Targeted | 55 crore people (12.37 crore families) |
| Hospitals Empanelled | 36,229 (govt + private) |
| Procedures Covered | 1,900+ medical procedures |
| Pre-Hospitalisation Cover | 3 days before admission |
| Post-Discharge Cover | 15 days after discharge |
| Senior Citizen Card | Ayushman Vay Vandana Card (70+ years) |
| Official Portal | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Helpline | 14555 |
Why Should You Apply for an Ayushman Card?
There are many strong reasons to apply right now.
First, the scheme covers more than 1,900 medical procedures. This includes heart surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis, delivery, and much more.
Second, the card works at over 36,000 hospitals across India. You can use it in your city or in another state.
Third, it is completely free to apply and free to use. There are no premiums or monthly fees.
Fourth, since 2018, more than 6.5 crore hospital admissions have been done under this scheme. Real families have saved real money.
Fifth, all citizens aged 70 and above can now apply. They get a separate ₹5 lakh cover called the Vay Vandana Card – even if they already have private insurance. if you don’t know Exact age you can Calculate Your Exact Age.
Finally, from May 2026, even West Bengal joined the scheme. So now all 36 states and union territories are covered under PM-JAY.
Real Story: How One Family Saved ₹1.8 Lakh
Ramu is a daily wage worker from Bihar. His wife needed surgery for kidney stones. The cost was ₹1.8 lakh. His family could not pay that much.
Because they had an Ayushman Card, the surgery was done at a private hospital in Patna – completely free.
This is the real power of this card. It protects families from medical debt. You can also use this card in ESIC Hospitals. The Salaried person is eligible for EPFO and ESIC deducations, Click here to know how to Activate your UAN. Government give a good PF interest on deductions if you want to Calculate Your PF interest, there have many tools to calculate.
Who Can Apply for the Ayushman Card?
Not everyone can apply. The government has set clear rules. Let us look at who qualifies.
1. Rural Families
Rural families may be eligible if they fall into any of these groups (based on SECC 2011 data):
- Living in a kutcha house (mud or thatched roof)
- No adult male member between 16 and 59 years in the family
- Working as a manual scavenger
- Belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe
- Landless family working as an agricultural labourer
- Living on begging or daily wages
2. Urban Families
Urban workers in these jobs may also qualify:
- Ragpicker or rag collector
- Domestic helper
- Street vendor, cobbler, or hawker
- Construction worker, plumber, painter, or welder
- Sweeper or sanitation worker
- Home-based artisan or worker
3. Senior Citizens – Anyone Aged 70 and Above
If you are 70 years or older, you can apply for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. Your income does not matter. Your family size does not matter. You are automatically eligible.
This is a big change introduced in 2024–2026. Even if you already have private health insurance, you still qualify for this separate ₹5 lakh cover.
Eligibility Summary Table
| Category | Who Is Covered | Database Used |
| Rural Poor | Families with specific hardship criteria | SECC 2011 |
| Urban Poor | Workers in 11 listed job categories | SECC 2011 |
| Senior Citizens (70+) | All citizens aged 70 and above | Aadhaar/Age Verification |
| NFSA Beneficiaries | Ration card holders under NFSA | NFSA Database |
| State-Specific | Extra families added by state governments | State Database |
Documents You Need to Apply
Keep these documents ready before you start. Missing any one of them can slow down your application.
| Document | Purpose | Required? |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity proof and eKYC | Yes |
| Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number | To receive OTP | Yes |
| Ration Card | Family member verification | Optional (but helpful) |
| PMJAY ID or Family ID | If registered earlier | Optional |
| Income Certificate | Only for certain state schemes | Depends on state |
Important Tip: Your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar card. If it is not linked, visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra first. Without a linked mobile number, you will not receive the OTP needed for eKYC.
How to Check If Your Name Is in the Ayushman Bharat List
Before applying, it is a good idea to check if your family is already in the beneficiary list.
Method 1 – Check Online
- Go to the official website: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Click on Beneficiary Login
- Enter your mobile number and click Send OTP
- Enter the OTP you receive on your phone
- Select your state, scheme, and district
- Choose Search By: Aadhaar Number
- Enter your Aadhaar number and click Search
- If your name appears, you are eligible to apply
Method 2 – Call the Helpline
Call 14555 – the national helpline for Ayushman Bharat. It is free. The operator will tell you if your family is covered under the scheme.
Method 3 – Visit a CSC or Hospital
Go to any Common Service Centre (CSC) near you. Ask for the Ayushman Mitra. He or she will check your eligibility for free. Empanelled hospitals also have Ayushman Mitras on duty.
Read Also : How to update Adhar online
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Online 2026 – Step by Step
Once you confirm your eligibility, follow these simple steps to apply.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal
Open your phone browser or computer browser. Go to: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
You can also download the Ayushman App from Google Play Store and complete the process on your mobile phone.
Step 2 – Login with Your Mobile Number
On the home page, click on Beneficiary Login. Enter your mobile number. Click Send OTP. A 6-digit code will come to your phone. Enter it to log in.
Step 3 – Search for Your Name
After logging in, select your state, district, and scheme. Then search by your Aadhaar number. A list of your family members will appear.
Step 4 – Check Each Member’s Status
Each family member will show one of these statuses:
| Status | What It Means | What You Should Do |
| Verified | Card is already created | Download the card directly |
| Unidentified | Eligible but eKYC not done | Click Action to do eKYC |
| Not Generated | Name found, card not made yet | Click Action to start |
| Not Found | Name not in the database | Visit a CSC or call 14555 |
Step 5 – Complete Aadhaar eKYC
Click the Action button next to the member whose status shows Unidentified.
A new screen will open. Enter the Aadhaar number. Select Aadhaar OTP as the verification method. An OTP will arrive on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter it to verify.
Your Aadhaar details – name, photo, and date of birth – will appear on screen for confirmation.
Step 6 – Take a Live Photo
The system will ask you to take a live photo using your camera. Follow these tips for a clear photo:
- Sit in a well-lit place
- Make sure your face is fully visible
- Do not wear sunglasses or a mask
After the photo, check your details and click Submit.
Step 7 – Download Your Ayushman Card
Once eKYC is done successfully, your status will change to Verified. Your Ayushman Card is now ready.
Click Download to save your card as a PDF. You can also print it.
That is it! The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What Is New in Ayushman Card 2026?
| New Feature | What It Means for You |
| Face Authentication (Aapke Dwar Ayushman) | Take a selfie – your face matches Aadhaar photo and your card is ready. No CSC visit needed. |
| ABHA ID Linking | Your card connects to your digital health account. Doctors can see your full medical history instantly. |
| West Bengal Joins PM-JAY (May 2026) | All 36 states and UTs are now covered. West Bengal beneficiaries can use hospitals across India from July 2026. |
| Ayushman Vay Vandana Card | All citizens aged 70 and above get a separate ₹5 lakh cover, regardless of income. |
| AI-Based Verification | Faster approvals using artificial intelligence. Card generation is quicker than before. |
| 36,229 Empanelled Hospitals | More government and private hospitals are part of the scheme now. |
How to Use the Ayushman Card at a Hospital
Many people have the card but do not know how to use it. Here is the simple process:
- Go to any empanelled hospital – government or private
- Visit the Ayushman Mitra counter near the reception
- Show your Ayushman Card (digital or printed)
- Your identity will be verified through biometric or OTP
- Once confirmed, your treatment begins – completely cashless
- At discharge, the hospital sends the claim directly to the government. You pay nothing.
Important Note: Some hospitals are empanelled only for specific treatments. Always ask the Ayushman Mitra which procedures are covered at that hospital before you get admitted.
What Does the Ayushman Card Cover?
Treatments Covered (1,900+ Procedures)
| Medical Category | Examples |
| Surgery | Heart surgery, knee replacement, hernia, gallbladder, appendix |
| Cancer Treatment | Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery |
| Kidney Diseases | Dialysis, transplant |
| Maternity and Child Care | Normal and C-section delivery, newborn care |
| Eye, Ear, and Dental | Cataract surgery, cochlear implant |
| Mental Health | Psychiatric hospitalisation |
| Burns and Injuries | ICU care, accident-related treatment |
| Pre-Hospitalisation | Tests and medicines up to 3 days before admission |
| Post-Discharge | Medicines and follow-up for 15 days after discharge |
What Is NOT Covered?
The card does not cover everything. Here is what is excluded:
- OPD (outpatient) visits – only inpatient treatment is covered
- Cosmetic surgery (like nose jobs or skin treatments)
- Donor costs in organ transplants
- Drug or alcohol de-addiction treatment
- Fertility or infertility treatments
- Injuries caused by the patient on purpose
How to Apply for Ayushman Card Offline
If you do not have internet access, you can still apply offline. Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) near you.
There are over 5 lakh CSCs across India. Here is how to apply:
- Find the nearest CSC in your area
- Carry your Aadhaar card and mobile number
- Ask the CSC operator to check your eligibility
- The operator will complete eKYC on your behalf
- Your card will be printed right there at the CSC
Note: Official registration under PM-JAY is free. However, some CSC operators may charge a small service fee – usually ₹20 to ₹30.
Read Also : How to Apply Pan Card online 2026
Ayushman Bharat – The Full Picture
It helps to understand the bigger ecosystem around the Ayushman Card.
| Term | What It Is | How It Connects |
| NHA | National Health Authority | Runs the PM-JAY scheme |
| PMJAY | Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana | Your card is part of this scheme |
| ABHA ID | Ayushman Bharat Health Account | Link your card for digital health records |
| AB-HWC | Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres | Primary care points connected to the scheme |
| SECC 2011 | Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 | Used to determine your eligibility |
| Ayushman Mitra | Trained helper at empanelled hospitals | Helps you use the card at the hospital |
| Vay Vandana Card | Special card for senior citizens (70+) | Separate ₹5 lakh cover for seniors |
| CSC | Common Service Centre | Offline point for applying |
| PMJAY App | Official mobile app | Apply and download card on your phone |
Quick Reference – Important Links and Helpline Numbers
| Resource | Details |
| Apply Online | beneficiary.nha.gov.in |
| Hospital Search | hospitals.pmjay.gov.in |
| Official Website | pmjay.gov.in |
| National Helpline | 14555 |
| Alternate Helpline | 1800-111-565 (Toll-Free) |
| Ayushman App | Search “Ayushman App” on Google Play Store |
| Grievance Portal | grievance.pmjay.gov.in |
3-Day Action Plan to Get Your Ayushman Card
You do not need to do everything in one day. Follow this simple 3-day plan:
| Day | Task | Time Needed |
| Day 1 – Check | Go to beneficiary.nha.gov.in → Login → Search your name using Aadhaar → Confirm eligibility for all family members | 15–20 minutes |
| Day 2 – Prepare | Link mobile number to Aadhaar if not done. Keep all family Aadhaar cards ready. Download Ayushman App on your phone. | 30 minutes |
| Day 3 – Apply | Login → Click Action for each member → Complete eKYC → Take live photo → Download all family cards | 20–30 minutes |
Apply Today, Protect Your Family
The Ayushman Card is one of the best things the Government of India offers. It gives ₹5 lakh in free health cover every year. Over 36,000 hospitals accept it. And applying takes only 15 minutes.
Every year, many families in India spend all their savings on medical bills. Sometimes they even take loans. The Ayushman Card can stop this from happening to your family.
Here is a quick summary of what you need to do:
- Check your eligibility at beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Keep your Aadhaar card and linked mobile number ready
- Complete eKYC using OTP or face authentication
- Download the card for all family members
- If you are 70 or older, apply for the Vay Vandana Card – it is open to everyone
- Call 14555 anytime if you face any problem – it is free and available 24×7
Do not wait. Apply today and make sure your family is protected.
Read also : How to create ATAL E sewa Kendra ID
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, applying for the Ayushman Card is completely free of cost. You do not need to pay anything to the government. However, if you apply through a CSC, the operator may charge a small service fee of ₹20-30.
If you complete eKYC online with Aadhaar OTP, your card is generated instantly – sometimes within minutes. With the new Face Authentication (Aapke Dwar Ayushman) feature in 2026, the process is even faster.
You cannot apply under PMJAY if your name is not in the eligible database. However, your state government may have expanded the beneficiary list at their own cost. Contact your state health department or call 14555 for options.
There is no limit on the number of family members covered. The entire family gets a combined benefit of ₹5 lakh per year. Each member can have their own individual card with the same family benefit pool.
Yes! You can use it at any government or private hospital that is empanelled under PMJAY. Check the hospital list at hospitals.pmjay.gov.in. As of May 2026, 16,746 private hospitals are empanelled across India.
Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Post Office to link your mobile number to your Aadhaar. Once linked, OTP-based eKYC will work. Alternatively, you can use biometric authentication (fingerprint) at a CSC.
No. If you are 70 years or older, you are automatically eligible for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card regardless of your income or family size. Just visit beneficiary.nha.gov.in and apply using your Aadhaar.
Yes. Download the Ayushman App from the Google Play Store. Log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Once your card is generated, you can download and save it as a digital PDF on your phone. The digital card is accepted at all empanelled hospitals.
The scheme covers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. If the treatment cost exceeds this limit, you will need to pay the extra amount from your own pocket or use other insurance. However, most major surgeries in India cost less than ₹5 lakh.
Yes! One of the best features of PMJAY is portability. Your card is valid at empanelled hospitals across all 36 states and union territories in India. As of May 2026, even West Bengal has joined the scheme.
